Accord Housing take Airfield Drive, Aldridge

Accord have entered into a lease for a new build 56,000 sq ft manufacturing facility located at Airfield Drive, Aldridge, which has been developed on a speculative basis by Trebor Developments LLP and Kay Properties (Midlands) Limited.

The building is under construction and will be completed in spring 2018, Accord have agreed terms on a 15 year lease with 10 year break option. The scheme benefits from grant funding provided by the Black Country LEP and supported by Walsall Council.

The building is one of few quality, new build, speculative, developments currently being delivered in the West Midlands in 2018 and has been brought forward by award winning Trebor Developments, West Midlands Commercial Developer of the Year.

Bob Tattrie, Managing Partner, on behalf of Trebor Developments/Kay Properties JV, commented, “We are delighted to have signed Contracts with Accord for their new manufacturing and distribution premises. We always strongly believed in the location as an excellent located site in the Black Country and our decision to build speculatively has been rewarded with an early transaction to let the building only a few weeks after starting construction, with strong interest being shown by several occupiers. We look forward to welcoming Accord to the new building in the summer”.

Alan Yates, Executive Commercial Director at Accord, said: “Building on our six years successful experience of Offsite manufacturing, Accord’s vision is to increase production of our timber framed homes through our very successful LoCaL Homes business. We have ambitious plans for our new factory, which is now under construction and which will enable us to increase annual production to over 1,000 homes per year. We are experiencing real growth in the business by working in partnership with other Housing Associations and Local Authorities across the country. Accord is investing over £1million in developing the new factory, including high value manufacturing equipment, and we will be able to both meet future orders and create more jobs for local people too.”

Dr Chris Handy, Chief Executive of Accord, said: “With this amazing new factory facility, we will be able to commence manufacture of our own windows and our new “H-pod”, which is an integrated kitchen and bathroom unit that will sit within the panelised structure. We will also be able to further develop our bespoke factory concept, setting up other factories in partnership with others by offering a turnkey solution. This is a very important move for both Accord and the Black Country. Our investment has been enhanced by grant funding provided by the Black Country LEP and the Homes and Community Agency, and the whole project is supported by Walsall Council – demonstrating great partnership working.”

Councillor Lee Jeavons, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council said: “Walsall Council is working hard on creating a business environment which supports job creation across the borough and so I’m delighted to see the development of this brownfield site coming to fruition. Job creation and transport connectivity to those jobs are an important part of our economic strategy.”